Rail Regulator publishes review of costs for programme of station improvements

4 April 2003
ORR/08/03

Rail Regulator publishes review of costs for programme of station improvements

The Rail Regulator, Tom Winsor, today published his provisional conclusions for the first stage of his review of Network Rail's programme of improvements to stations.

This review, which was announced in the Regulator's periodic review final conclusions, published in October 2000, aims to establish the efficient cost for which the new facilities could be delivered for a programme of stations across the network. The planned enhancements required by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) include improvements to passengers' personal security, and to information systems, waiting facilities and toilets.

Although the Regulator's assessment of the efficient costs is significantly lower than the cost estimates originally put forward by Railtrack, recent discussions with Network Rail and the SRA have identified management actions which can be taken to produce additional cost savings.

As responses to the initial consultation on whether or not the review should proceed were positive, work on pilot stations in the Stations IOS programme is now well under way. Following consideration of the Regulator's provisional conclusions, the SRA will be asked to confirm the extent of the programme it wishes to see delivered. Responses to this consultation are requested by Friday 02 May 2003.

Notes to Editors

1. The Regulator's provisional conclusions for the first stage of the review Stations incremental output statements (IOS) interim review: Provisional conclusions for stage 1 was published on 4 April 2003. This document is available from the ORR website here, and also from the ORR Librarian, Sue MacSwan, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138-142 Holborn, London Ec1N 2TQ, tel: 020 7282 2001, fax: 020 7282 2045, e-mail: rail.library@orr.gsi.gov.uk.
2. On 23 July 2002, the Regulator launched a consultation on this cost review for a major programme of enhancements to stations proposed by the SRA. This document is available from the ORR website here, and from the ORR Librarian.
3. Following responses to the consultation document published on 23 July 2002, the Regulator initiated this review on 5 December 2002. The letter initiating the review is available from the ORR website here.

Press enquiries

ORR Press Office - 020 7282 2002/2007
out of hours - pager 07659 127303